New Google Maps

[zerocool84]

Why look at static images when you can get a more 3D view of the urban scene? Google's Maps for Mobile 5 just got previewed on stage by Andy Rubin at D : Dive Into Mobile -- with a prototype Motorola Honeycomb tablet, no less! The biggest visual change is dynamic map drawing: vectors instead of flat images that scale without render hiccups and will show the buildings fleshed out for over 100 cities -- we gotta say, it looks great. Even more fun is that you can now use two fingers to tilt and rotate around the map (in addition to moving and pinch-to-zoom, of course). We've been told it's a much snappier experience, and the storage for these vectors is much smaller than the current images, which brings us to... offline caching. Maps will keep on file the locations that you go to (and search) most often, and it'll be able to reroute while offline in Navigation. You'll still need a connection for altering the route altogether -- sorry, subway-hoppers -- but once you go, even if you stray, you'll still be rerouted back on track.

Most modern Android phones from the original Droid onward should be able to enjoy most if not all the new features, depending on hardware capabilities (3D rendering) and "distinct multitouch" hardware support -- the Nexus One, interestingly enough, supports vector maps but not the rotate functionality because it lacks the latter multitouch requirements. Google sent us a list of devices that support 100 percent of 5.0's features, which you can find after the break. The update is due out in the "coming days," according to Rubin. Great way to kick off Nexus S' launch, then.

Any way that makes Google Maps more usable, especially offline, is awesome.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/google-maps-for-mobile-5-unveiled-adds-dynamic-map-drawing-and/

 

[Oyeve]

Looks slick. Will wait for it.

 

[zerogear]

Getting harder and harder not to get an Android Device. :looks disgustingly at the iP4:

 

[metalmania]

No matter how fancy the interface is, Google Map is still a piece of junk until it can put the right roads on the map.

 

[Pliablemoose]

No matter how fancy the interface is, Google Map is still a piece of junk until it can put the right roads on the map.

I find Google Maps to be pretty accurate and a compelling reason to own an Android OS'd phone.

 

[Deeko]

I have a love-hate relationship with Google Maps on Android. The interface is nice, and when everything works like it should, its great...but sometimes its maddening. It will occasionally be extremely slow for no good reason, or the navigation puts you on the wrong street (it seems to think buildings are actually on the back side of their property sometimes, and therefore directs you to the wrong street)....

It was kinda funny in a way, right after going to AT&T to return my Focus, Google Maps on my HD2 was acting up on the way home to the point that I was literally screaming at it....made me miss the Focus already.

 

[kaerflog]

Google navigation is pretty much the main reason why I would want an Android Phone.

 

[metalmania]

Depend on your location. At least in NYC, Google Map is full of failure. It might be good on other cities though.

I find Google Maps to be pretty accurate and a compelling reason to own an Android OS'd phone.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Depend on your location. At least in NYC, Google Map is full of failure. It might be good on other cities though.

What's it like using a traditional GPS in NYC? I used several different standalone GPS devices in several cities and the buildings interfered with reception pretty significantly. I can imagine NYC is hell on satellite reception.

 

[metalmania]

Actually our company did travel speed study in NYC using GPS receivers. With SIR Star III chipset ( still the best chipset, IV is out but no big improvement), there are reception problems near 34th St, 42nd St and 57th St from 8th Ave to 3rd Ave.

Anyway I usually don't use GPS in cities with tall buildings or elevated Metro structures.

My point on Google Map is not about the navigation. It is about the wrong road names, missing roadways and totally wrong addresses in Manhattan. It's hard to imagine Google could suck that much but it managed to achieve that goal.

What's it like using a traditional GPS in NYC? I used several different standalone GPS devices in several cities and the buildings interfered with reception pretty significantly. I can imagine NYC is hell on satellite reception.

 

[DivideBYZero]

I used Google maps in NYC in June on my BlackBerry and it was spot on. What are you on about?

 

[metalmania]

Did you read my post above?
A simple example, Google Map removed one of the Brooklyn Bridge on-ramp. They also messed up the FDR Dr. If you are just a tourist walking in Time Square, there might be less errors

I used Google maps in NYC in June on my BlackBerry and it was spot on. What are you on about?

 

[PhoKingGuy]

I used Google maps in NYC in June on my BlackBerry and it was spot on. What are you on about?

This, I used google maps on my old curve 8900 in August for driving directions/walking around/metro for a good solid 4 days. It never skipped a beat.

I miss a lot of things about BBerry OS after going to Android, the email and messaging of the BBerry is still second to none. Android is slowly growing on me though.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Did you read my post above?
A simple example, Google Map removed one of the Brooklyn Bridge on-ramp. They also messed up the FDR Dr. If you are just a tourist walking in Time Square, there might be less errors

I was staying in 32nd, walked from G Zero to Central Park and it didn't miss a beat. To be honest the opinion of a tourist is better than a local, as they're the folk that need it. So, as I said, it didn't miss a beat.

 

[Bateluer]

Too bad it'll be replaced on future Verizon Android phones with Verizon Navigator.

 

[metalmania]

I was staying in 32nd, walked from G Zero to Central Park and it didn't miss a beat. To be honest the opinion of a tourist is better than a local, as they're the folk that need it. So, as I said, it didn't miss a beat.

It didn't miss a beat for your route. For others, it might be a disaster. You think a Brooklyn Bridge missing a ramp is not a problem?

 

[QueBert]

Google maps sucks out here where I'm at too, a friend was graduating and emailed people directions to the hall it was being held at. He didn't double check them and 95% of the people didn't know the area. It told them to make a left off the freeway when they should have made a right. Needless to say most ended up never showing up. And I get bum directions at least once a month, this isn't in some back woods country town. This is Southern Cali.

 

[metalmania]

Exactly. Google Map's popularity in Android users is just that it's free and fancy. Just don't rely on that. Treat it as a kid's toy then you are OK.

Google maps sucks out here where I'm at too, a friend was graduating and emailed people directions to the hall it was being held at. He didn't double check them and 95% of the people didn't know the area. It told them to make a left off the freeway when they should have made a right. Needless to say most ended up never showing up. And I get bum directions at least once a month, this isn't in some back woods country town. This is Southern Cali.

 

[theeedude]

Offline Google maps = good bye Garmin.

 

[metalmania]

Offline Google maps = good bye Garmin.

At least Garmin can give you the right location.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

I live in socal and have never once had google maps give me a wrong direction, I really don't know what you guys are talking about. My old shitty garmin would get it wrong about 50% of the time though.

 

[theeedude]

At least Garmin can give you the right location.

They'll have to convince people that have free up to date Google maps on their phone or tablet to shell out the cash for a Garmin device and regular map updates. Good luck with that.

 

[Glitchny]

Strange I've never had an issue with Google maps. Used it to drive all over western NY and it knew the street names. It's never wrong in Reno, was never wrong when I used it in SF, Sacramento or LA. Guess I must be lucky.

 

[abaez]

I live in socal and have never once had google maps give me a wrong direction, I really don't know what you guys are talking about. My old shitty garmin would get it wrong about 50% of the time though.

Yeah, I don't get it either. I've never had an issue here in socal with any sort of directions or information or anything..

 

[gsaldivar]

Google Maps is 100% reliable for me in Southern California as well.

I can stream music, have reminders and text messages read to me, place and receive calls, as well hear as turn-by-turn nav instructions all over my car's stereo without even touching my phone...

It's almost like having an assistant in the car with me. Awesome stuff.